No shocks as Italy, Spain come through

Italy's Mario Balotelli (2nd R) with team mates Thiago Motta (L), Leonardo Bonucci and Federico Balzaretti celebrates his goal during their Group C Euro 2012 soccer match against Ireland at the City stadium in Poznan, June 18, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

WARSAW - European soccer's major powers looked set to dominate the final stages of Euro 2012 after a testing evening for Italy and Spain ended with them both easing through on Monday to join Germany, Portugal, the Czech Republic and Greece in the last eight.

France and England lead the running to fill the final two last-eight places, although England must first avoid defeat by hosts Ukraine who are sweating over the fitness of talisman Andriy Shevchenko.

Spain's Jesus Navas (L) shoots to score a goal during their Group C Euro 2012 soccer match against Croatia at the PGE Arena in Gdansk, June 18, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

World champions Spain were living on a knife edge in their game in Gdansk where a Croatia goal could have knocked them out but Jesus Navas struck two minutes from time to secure a 1-0 victory and set up a clash with the Group D runners-up.

"It was a very tense match, very tough," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said.

"They closed ranks at the back very well and didn't give us much space. We got through it and the important thing even when you have a poor day is that you keep advancing in the competition."

Italy were also pushed until late on by an Irish side who have lost all three games but brought a green army of passionate fans to Poland for a tournament being held in eastern Europe for the first time.

Goals from Antonio Cassano after 35 minutes and a spectacular late effort by Mario Balotelli saw them home, helped by a late red card for Irish midfielder Keith Andrews.

"It has been a very difficult match, we came up against a team that made us suffer," said Cesare Prandelli, credited with giving the Azzurri a more attacking approach than usual

"We created a lot, I hope it will be like this also in the next match."

Croatia's Danijel Pranjic, Domagoj Vida, Ognjen Vukojevic and Spain's Andres Iniesta (L-R) fight for the ball during their Group C Euro 2012 soccer match at the PGE Arena in Gdansk, June 18, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]